He heard Thaklaru chuckling. No, Kiley. There's no way you can cheat me of my share of the wealth.
"Dammit, Thaklaru, do you have to keep listening to my mind? Can't I have a little privacy?"
Don't fear, Kiley. Your reaction is a perfectly understandable one, and I hold no rancor against you for desiring great wealth. I expect you to think that way—which is why I keep listening to you. I never trust an accomplice, remember.
A new thought entered Kiley's mind. "Say—what do you need these jewels for? Seems to me you could have anything you wanted, money no object—so why do you want to be rich?"
Rich? I do not want to be rich. The jewels are pretty, though—and I like beautiful things. I covet them for purely esthetic reasons.
"Okay with me," Kiley said. "I have more practical ends in mind."
It is understandable. Ah—you are approaching my home world now. Please prepare for deceleration.
An hour later, Kiley stood on the soil of Thaklaru's planet and looked around.
Welcome, the alien's voice said.